Despite opposing the End of Life Choice Bill, a Gisborne priest is leading calls for Māori to be prepared for how they'll deal with those who die by euthanasia.

For Māori, strict tikanga or protocols must be followed when dealing with the dead.

Funeral director Te Hira Henderson says cause of death can influence what is said at a tangi or funeral and even where someone is buried.

Dealing with those who die by euthanasia presents new challenges.

"We have not had that discussion yet so it is unchartered grounds," says Mr Henderson.

Act MP David Seymour's euthanasia bill passed its first reading last month.

Gisborne Reverend Chris Huriwai thinks the bill will be passed, and while he's personally against it, he wants Māori to figure out where they stand on the issue and whether ceremonies need to be changed.

"That needs to be sorted out before you have a body at the gate of your marae," Reverend Huriwai says.

"For example the karanga, the call that goes out to welcome mourners and the body back home onto the marae, changes in the format of that may need to take place."

Māori customs are evolving, and there can be differing views on what was original Māori practice and what's been influenced by Christianity.